Down the Marne

This canal is really a transit one, not a tourist one. Although some people seem to hang about, most are making passage, as we are, with an objective: Amsterdam in our case. So today we set off betimes, and covered some 50 kilometres and 20 locks to reach Joinville, which is infested with weed:

But we are at least comfortably moored alongside, and have internet through the dongle.

Early on we came across a linked swing bridge and tunnel (with a slight glance at the washing hanging out):

And later on some impressive horticulture at one of the locks:

Topiary too

Even a traditional honey extractor pressed into garden service:

We only met three other boats all day, including this English narrowboat.  You do see a few in France – I imagine they mostly get trucked across rather than trying to sail across the channel.

There were, of course, more boys bathing in the murky canal waters. This intrepid/crazy lad was probably showing off for our benefit, but an impressive leap all the same.

The landscape in the Marne valley here is mainly agricultural – wheat fields waving:

And also being harvested: amazing what one man and his tractor can do!

By the way, in case of worries on the hygiene front, we expect to reach Vitry le Francois in two days, where there is a well-known boatyard that can fix everything, and hopefully our shower too! Meanwhile we have plenty of hot water and are not too pongy yet!